Matrix construction



T. C. ROBERTS HATRIX CONSTRUCTION Sept. 8. 1925.

'- lNVENTOR TH ECIDOFQE CLRDBERTS ATTORNEY .All .F q n. Pu

Cal

Patented Sept. 8, 1925,

UNITED STAT/ES Pai-Eur ortica THEODORE C. ROBEItflS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR, BY IVIIEISNEV ASSIGNMENTS,` TO COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH'COMPANY, ING., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

MATRIX CONSTRUCTION.

Original application 11ed August 27, 1920, Serial No. 406,450. VDivided and this application led May 29, 1923; s eraINo. 642,341.

To all whom t may. concern.'

Be it known that I, THnoDonn C. Ronnirrs, a citizen of the United States, and a resi dent of the city of New York, county and State of New York, have invented Vcertain new and useful Improvements in Matrix Construction, of which the following, taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, is a specification.

This invention relates to the manufacture of plastic articles, such as phono-graph records, and more especially to the matrices used in connection therewith. lt is a division of the prior application-Serial Number 406,450, filed August 27, 1920, Method and apparatus for making phonograph records.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved matrix construction, especially adapted for use with automatically.-operated molding-presses, designed for the quantity and quality produc-tion of phonograph records.

Another object is to provide a construction in which the record, or other molded article, is automatically edged at the time of the pressing operation.

A further object is to pro-vide a recordejecting means associated with a matrix, to facilitate the removal of the article after pressing. i

Still another object is to provide means for securing the matrix in position on its supporting die, to simplify the assemblage and disassemblage thereof.

Yet another object is to provide a form of matrix construction which may be used, either in conjunction with auxiliary means of heating and cooling it, or entirely independently thereof.

lNith these and other objects in view, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing, and these will be more fully described with reference thereto, and the invention finally pointed out in claims.

In the accompanying drawing- Fig. l is a lsemi-sectionalv view take-in 1 knock-out plug,

through a diameter 1 1l of Fig. v5, to show the details of construction ofv one of the forming matrices which are mounted on the Apress-platens, and the method of clamping it along its outer periphery, u

Fig. 2 isa sectional view through'thediameter 2 2 of Fig. 3,. of the expandingplug matrix-clamp yand knock-out center for the type of backlessmatrix illustrated, to show in detail how the matrix` is removably secured to the support along its inner edge Fig. 3 is a plan view off 'the lexpansible showing the manner in which it is made to grip the flanged surface of the matrix, enclosingit, and Yto securely clamp said matrix between Vit and the sup'- porting plate;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but illustrating the knock-out center structure carrying a pressed record and partly raised out of position to show the manner ofremoving the record g. and

Fig. 5 isla fragmentary plan view/of the completely-assembled matrix structure.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts,throughout-the several iigures of the drawing.

For the purpose of insuring identity of this divisional application, with the original application, said figures are merely Figures 9 to 13 of said original application, with only the figure numbers changed, .the letters of reference on the Vfigures being otherwise those of the original application. Y

Referringto the drawing, there is shown the matrix ,82 which, in Vthe particular embodiment disclosed and used for the manufacture of phonograph records, consists of a thin copper shell, suitably supported, and

having. music lines engraved in it-s pressing surface. This matrix 82 is positioned on its supporting, or diefplate, 80, and separated therefrom by alsuitablesheet of insulation 8l, The matrix 89., Fig. l, is secured to. ldieplate 80, along itsouter peripheral edge by clamping it between the die-plate and clampin ring 83, arranged. asV shown in Fig. l.

upwardly extending lipv lBSiS formed n die-plate 8O near its outer edge, and the matrix 82 is carried up over this lip and then perpendicularly downward, and finally under ring 83 substantially to theV outer edge of said ring. Stud bolts 84 secure ring 88 to die-plate 80, and securely clamp the matrix 82 between them. This provide-s a construction whereinY the matrix serves as the member for' forming the edgeV of' the record. f y

The inner peripheral edge of vmatrix 82 is fianged at right angles, as in Fig. l, and secured in place by means of the Vexpanding plug` and knock-out center structure shown in detail in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive. In this structure there is provided an expanding center plate 86, sho-wn in planviewin Fig. Il and in section inthe other views; this plate is provided with a threaded tapered center holev 91, two smaller holes 88 near the outer periphery of the plug, and a series of equidistant saw cuts Aor slots 89-90, so ar,- ranged that one set 9O1opens into the external periphery of the plug, and the other set 8,9, arranged between the first-named set, v `alternately with relation thereto, Vopens into ,the inner peripheryporhole 91.

Center plate 86 is placed as shown in Fig. l, after which tapered expansion plug 87 `is screwedinto place; due to the taperedsurface of plug'87, the outer edge of center 86 is thus caused to expand against the flanged section of matrix 82, thus effectively ciamping it along its inner edge.

Plug 87 is bored out to receivev the knockout center structure, which comprises a threaded center-pin 92 surrounded by center-plate guide block 157 which is rigidly secured to the center plate 85.

Fig. 2 shows these detailsin operative position; while in Fig. t, the structure is shown carrying a'record 98 partly out of position, to illustrate how the record, together with center plate 85 and attached parts, is removed from the matrix after pressing. f

It is intended to provide automatic means of operating this knock-out center structure for removing the records from the presses as the pressing operation is completed and the Vrecords sufficiently cooled, but such means is not here disclosed, since it is but a simple assemblage of known.- mechanical elements, and not primarily a part of this invention.

The operation of this matrix will be described particularly as adapted for useon a multiple press in which a plurality of pressing units is automatically operated in proper sequence; but it is, o-f course, understood that this invention can be used equally well-with certain self-apparent changes on any other type of press, and for the purpose of manufacturingany other form nf molded. article.

First, a quantity of record stock, which may or may not be pre-heated, is placed on the lower platen of the open press by the charging operator, with the aid, preferably, of a charging magazine (not shown) between the press and a conveyor which feeds the charging magazine. If it is desired to preheat the record stock before its introduction in the press, and not depend entirely on the heating system incorporated in the press, the charging magazine can be arranged to deliver its product so heated, this merely involving the addition of a chamber heated by steam'or otherwise, in connection with the magazine. i j

The press dies or platens, on which the matrices are mounted are then moved to-` gether, relative to each other, and the record, or other molded article, is pressed. The record is then allowed to cool by having its heat content dissipated, the linsulated. layerV beneath the thin matrix shell serving to isolate the heat as an aid to this operation;

lor the cooling water may be admitted to the die supporting the matrix 1n a manner well known in the molding industry; or both methods used.

The record, having been pressed and cooled, is now removed from the press by the operator with the aid of the lmocleout center device, heretofore described and illustrated in the drawings; andthe operation is then repeated. f n' I-lavingnow described the invent-ion, what is claimed as new and for which Letters Patent is desired, is: V- Y l. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supe porting die, and a relatively thin matrix removably secured thereto along its inner 'and Til outer peripheral surfaces, and including a surface-pressing portion and an edge-form ing portion.

2. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supportinc' die, and a relatively thin matrix secured thereto along its inner and outer peripheral surfaces, together with means for ejecting the record from the matrix when pressed, the ejecting means being positioned to overlie part of the securing means.

3. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die and a relatively thin matrix removably secured thereto along its inner and outer peripheral surfaces, together with means for ejecting the record vfrom the inatrix when pressed, the ejecting means being disposed over the securing means for the inner peripheral edge of the matrix.

4. The combination with an apparatus for ripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the die and positioned entirely above the surface of the matrix.

5. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a relatively thin matrix, and a clam-ping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die along its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the die and positioned entirely within the outer edge of the matrix, and clamping the matrix between it and the die.

6. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of soundv records, of a supporting die having a center hole, and a relatively thin matrix removably secured to said die along its inner peripheral edge by flanging the matrix downwardly into saidrhole in the center of the die and clamping it. therein, the clamping means being disposed completely below the surface of the matrix.y

7. T he combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, -of a supporting die Ahaving a center hole, a relatively thin matrix removably secured to said die along its inner peripheral edge by Hanging the matrix downwardly into said 'hole in the center of the die and clamping it therein by means of an expansible disc.

8. The invention as in claim 7, said disc being centrally apertured and containing radial slots extending alternately into the outer periphery of the disc and. the central aperture.

9, The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die having a Acenter hole, a relatively thin matrix removably secured. to said die along its inner peripheral edge by flanging the matrix downwardly into said hole in the center of the die and clamping it therein, the clamping means including an expansible centrally-apertured disc containing radial slots extending alternately into .the outer periphery ofthe disc and the central aperture, and a tapered screw adapted to expand said disc by being screwed into said center hole formed to receive it.

10. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a relatively thin matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die along its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the die and positioned entirely above the surface of the matrix, and means for ejecting the record from the matrix when pressed.

11. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die having a center hole,y and a relatively thin matrix removably secured to said die and flanged along its inner peripheral edge downwardly. into .said hole in` the center of the die, means clamping it therein, and means associated with the clamping means for ejecting the record from the matrix when pressed.

12. rlllie combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die having a center hole, a relatively thin matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die along its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the die, and positioned entirely within the outer edge of the matrix, said matrix being also removably secured to the die and flanged along its inner peripheral edge downwardly into said hole in the center of the die, and means clamping it therein.

18. The invention as in claim l2, further characterized by providing the matrix with an upwardly extending flange to form the edge of .the record, substantially as shown.

lll. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die having a center hole, al relatively thin matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die alone its outer )eri heral area said clam ing ring being detachably fastened to the die, and positioned entirely within the outer' edge of the matrix, said matrix being also removably secured to the die and flanged along its inner peripheral edge downwardly into said hole in the centerof the die, and an expansible disc adapted to clamp said matrix into said hole of the die.

l5. rlhe invention as in claim lt, said disc being centrally apertured and containing' radial slots extending alternately linto the outer periphery of the. disc and the central. aperture.

16. The combination vwith an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, off a supporting die having ai center hole, a relatively thin matrix, afclamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die along its outer peripheral area, saidclamp.- ing ring being detachably fastened to the die, and positioned entirely within the outer edge of the matrix, said matrix being also removably secured to the die and flanged along its inner peripheraledge downwardly into said hole in the center of the die, an expansible disc adapted to clamp said matrix into said hole of the die, said disc being centrally-apertured and containing radial slots extending alternately into the outer periphery of the disc and the central aperture, and a tapered threaded plug adapted to be screwed into said central aperture of said disc to expand same.

17. rIhe combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a relatively thin matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said diealong its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the Vdie and positioned entirely within the outer edge of the matrix, and means for ejecting the record when pressed, said means comprising a record-carrying plate movable perpendicularly away from the surface of the matrix.

18. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a. supporting die having acenter hole, a relatively thin matrix removably secured to said die and flanged `along its inner peripheral edge downwardly into said hole, and means clamping it therein, together Vwith means above said means for ejecting the record when pressed, the second-named means comprising a record-carrying plate movable perpendicularly vaway from the surface of the matrix. v

' 19. The invention as in claim 1li, including means for vejecting the record fromv the matrix when pressed.

20. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records of a supporting die, a relatively hin matrix secured to said die and having a surface-pressing portion and an edge-pressing portion,

y'means for ejecting the record when pressed,

and said means comprising` yarecord-carrying plate rmovable perpendicularly away from .the surface `0f the matrix.

2l. The combination with an apparatus for the' manufacture o-f sound records, of a pressing die Aand matrix, an expanding center plug therefor, and means for ejecting a record when pressed, said means compris-ing a record-carrying plate centered in said expanding center plug and movable perpendicularly aw'ay from the surface of the matrix.

22. The combination with an apparatus for the maufacture of sound records, of a supporting` die having a center hole, a relatively thin matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure said matrix to said die along its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detacliably fastened to the die and positioned entirely within the outer edge of the matrix, said matrix being also removably secured to the die and flanged along its inner peripheral area downwardly into said hole of the die, an expansible disc adapted to clamp said matrix into the center hole, said disc being centrally apertured and containing radial slots extending alternately into the outer periphery of the disc and the central aperture, a tapered threaded plug adapted to be screwed into said central aperture of said disc to expand said disc, and record ejecting means comprising a' record-carrying plate in said plug and movable perpendicularly away from the surface of the matrix.

r23. rlhe combination with an apparatus forthe manufacture of sound records, of a portingy die.

supporting die, a relatively thin bendable matrix having an upwardly-bent annular lip near its outer peripheral edge to form the edge of the record, and means adapted to clamp the matrix to said supporting die.

24. The invention as in claim 23,' the clamping means being` positioned outside of said lip.

25. The combination `with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a relatively thin matrix having an upwardly-extending annular lip near its outer peripheral edge to form the edge of the record, an annular clamping ring positioned outside of said lip adapted to clamp said matrix to said supporting die, and bolts passing through the matrix adapted to secure the matrix to said supf 26.111 a matrix construction, arsupporting die, a relatively thin matrix removably secured thereto along its inner and outer peripheral surfaces. and including "a surface-pressing portion and an edge-forming portion, and article-ejecting means at the center of the die.

27. In a matrix construction, a supporting die, a relatively` thin matrix secured thereto along its inner and outer peripheral areas, and including a surface-pressing portion and an edge-forming portion, and article-ejecting means carried by the die.

28. A mold for sound records comprising a die, a matrix secured thereto along its inner and outer peripheral surfaces and including a surface-pressing and an 'edgeforming portion.

29. As a new article of manufacture, a matrix having a surface-pressing portion and an edge-forming portion, the latterbeing of flexible material and adapted to be supported by abacking of non-yieldable material. Y Y A 80. As a new article of manufacture, a matrix having a surface-pressing portion and an annular upwardly-extending lip near its peripheral edge to form the edge of the article, said upwardly-extending lip being of flexible material adapted to be reinforced and held in position by a rib of non-yielding material.

3l. In a matrix construction, a supporting die, a matrix removably secured thereto near its inner and outer peripheral areas, said matrix having a surface'pressing portion and an edge-forming portion.

32. As a new article of manufacture, a matrix for molding sound records, the matrix being of bendable material and having a surface pressing portion and an annular lip extending` froniits surface to form the edge of the record. 1

. 33. The combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of va supporting die, a matrix, means securing the Lariat-iv'Y matrix to the die, means for ejectin,j the pressed recordy from the matrix, the ejecting means being disposed'over a portion ,of the securing means.

34. In combinationa supportingdie, a matrix5 means arranged centrally ofthe die and securing the matrixthereto, said'ineans being disposed below the operative surface of the matrix, means for lifting an article away from the matrix, the lifting means being disposed over the securing means and substantially in the plane of the matrix and capable of a reciprocating movement relative thereto.

rlhe combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a matrix, a clamping ring adapted to removably secure the matrix to the die along its outer peripheral area, said clamping ring being detachably fastened to the die and positioned entirely above the surface of the matrix, an expansible disc securing the inner peripheral area of the matrix to the die, said disc being disposed entirely below the surface of the matrix.

As a new article of manufacture, a disc having a series of kerfs extending through its outer periphery, a` center hole, and a second series of kerfs extending through the periphery of the center hole.

37. A device as in claim 36 characterized by a tapered threaded means adapted to be screwed into the central hole of the plug to expand the same.

38. In combination, a supporting die having a center hole, a matrix secured to the die, the matrix having its inner portion flanged into the hole, and an ejector operating through the hole and having a part engag-ing the flanged portion of the matrix when the ejector is in normal position.

89. In combination, a supporting die having a center hole and a relatively thin matrix removably secured to the die along its inner peripheral edge by flanging the matrix into the hole in the center of the die and clamping a substantial area of the matrix against the periphery of the hole.

40. In combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die, a matrix, means securing the matrix to the die along its inner peripheral edge, the means being disposed below the operative surface of the matrix, and a record-ejecting means disposed above the securing means and arranged substantially flush with the operative face of the matrix.

4l. In combination with an apparatus for the manufacture of sound records, of a supporting die having a center hole, a relatively thin matrix removably secured to said die along its inner peripheral edge by flanging the matrix downwardly into the hole in the center of the die and clamping it therein, the clamping means including a centrally-apertured expansible disc and a ta-4 pered threaded plugAA adapted to b'e .screwed i into said aperture to expand the dise.

42. VAdevice as in-.claim 41, the clampir'ig andin the. plane of'the matrix andclosingv the cent-ral aperture.l

A' device as in claim 41, the threaded plug having a central opening, a guide block mounted in the opening for reciprocating movement, and an ejector plate carried by the guide block.

44. A device as in claim 41, the threaded plug having a central opening, a guide block mounted in the opening for reciprocating movement, and an ejector plate carried by the guide block and closing the aperture in the supporting die and lying substantially flush with the upper surface of the matrix.

45. In combination, a disc, and expanding plug means associated therewith, the disc being so formed as to allow of its peripheral expansion through movement of the plug.

46. In combination, a body having a screw threaded opening therein, and expanding exteriorly threaded plug means associated with the body and disposed in the opening, the body being so formed as to allow of its peripheral expansion through movement of the plug in the opening.

47. In combination, a disc, a plug means associated therewith, and the disc being so formed as to allow peripheral expansion through flexure in its outer region upon movement of the pluO.

4S. In combination, a disc, a plug means associated therewith, and the disc being so formed as to allow peripheral expansion through flexure in its inner region upon movement of the pluo.

49. In combination, a disc, a plug means associated therewith, and the disc being so formed as to allow peripheral expansion through iexure in its inner and outer regions upon movement of the plug.

50. In combina-tion, a die having a center hole, a matrix disposed on the die, an ejector including a center plate arranged in the hole, a hollow member movable with the plate, and a pin movable through the hollow member.

5l.. A device as in claim 50, the pin being adapted to be moved independently of and in conjunction with the ejector'.

52. A device as in claim 50, the pin being` adapted when moved in one direction to operate the ejector means.

53. A device as in claim 50, the pin being adapted to be moved independently of any movemeint of the ejector means.

54. In combination, a supporting die having a center holea relatively thin matrix having its inner peripheral edge lflanged into the hole in the center of the die, and an ejector operating through the hole in the die and including l a plate disposed above 5 the flanged portion of the matrix.

55. In combination, a supporting die having a center hole, a relatively thin matrix, said matrix having its inner peripheral edgev anged into the hole in the center of the die,Y

amasar means clamping a substantial larea of the 10 matrix. against the periphery of the hole,

and an' ejector means including an ejector plate positioned over the clamping means.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 15th 15 day of May, A. D. 1923.

THEODORE o. ROBERTS. 

